HOME > MATCH REPORT > HEARTBREAK FOR SUPER EAGLES AS GREECE FIGHT BACK

Heartbreak for Super Eagles as Greece fight back

Heartbreak for Super Eagles

Posted: Jun 17 2010

Dimitrios Salpingidis and Vasilios Torosidis scored as Greece secured a come-from-behind victory over Nigeria in Bloemfontein on Thursday afternoon.

The Super Eagles had taken an early lead through Kala Uche’s free-kick, but a silly red card for Sani Keita gave the Greeks the opportunity to get back into the game.

With both sides desperately needing to take something from this game, neither side was willing to offer an inch as the match got off to a conservative start.

The Greeks stuck to their traditional defensive tactics, restricting Nigeria’s ventures forward, but at the same time limiting their own offensive opportunities to speculative shots like the one Kostas Katsouranis offered up from half-field.

Feeling the pressure from the Greek defense, Nigeria’s forward approach was continuously halted as the Super Eagles struggled to string more than a handful of passes in midfield.

The Africans’ fortunes changed drastically for the better just past the quarter-hour mark as a free-kick for Uche was misjudged by Greece ‘keeper Alexandros Tzorvas. The Panathinaikos shot-stopper anticipated a touch by Peter Odemwingie, but the Lokomotiv Moscow man let Uche’s ball run through the maze of bodies and it ended up in the back of the net.

Greece were now pressured to attack, but it seemed the Nigerians were looking content to sit back and defend their early lead. The likes of Giorgos Karagounis and Kostas Katsouranis couldn’t find a way past the Nigerian defense, but all that changed when Kaita was shown a red card for an unnecessary kick on Vasilis Torosidis.

The dismissal prompted Greece coach Otto Rehhagel to introduce a third forward in Giorgos Samaras.

While Vincent Enyeama continued to show his marvel by denying Gekas a clear opportunity from just a few yards off the goal-line, it seemed now after 16 years that it was just a matter of time before the Greeks scored their first World Cup goal.

Sure enough the goal came a minute before half-time as Dimitris Salpingidis found the back of the net off an unfortunate deflection off a Nigerian defender.

Enyeams continued to pull off some remarkable saves after the break, but then let a seemingly straight-forward long-range effort slip from his grasp, allowing Torosidis to tap in from close range.

Nigeria had an opportunity to level late on, but Chenedu Obasi missed an open goal after the Greek keeper could only parry Yakubu’s shot following a quick counter.

Comment on this article:

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Denny: 2010-06-17 18:02

Eish...

st.luther ikaba : 2010-06-17 18:06

Now this is how we do this thang. Minus my wonder boy Super Enyeama,F*** super Eagles,F*** lagerback,F*** NFF,f*** Kaita, F*** Yobo,F*** super eagles as a muthaF***** team and crew, and if you want to get down with then then F*** you too!

gabby7035: 2010-06-17 18:07

u can not know the value of what you have until you loose it ,we african coach better than largerbear,africa wake up .this largebear coached sweden for many years without any result live our local coach for just 5 years with super chicken they will become future ,

gabby7035: 2010-06-17 18:07

u can not know the value of what you have until you loose it ,we african coach better than largerbear,africa wake up .this largebear coached sweden for many years without any result live our local coach for just 5 years with super chicken they will become vulture ,

John (Geneva): 2010-06-17 18:07

I did not see the game but followed the score line. Its not easy to play 10 against 11. This is the world cup. However, all hope is not lost yet. I still believe that we can still qualify. All we need to do is to beat South Korea silly and pray that Argentina doesn’t loose to Greece.

UP Super Eagles

Sokka4Lyf: 2010-06-17 18:08

Who is saying what now? There was a lot of noise after Bafana were humiliated last night, do I still hear ... we are the best. Truth is Nigerias are not as good as they think they are, there are only two strong teams in the continent, and that is Ghana and Ivory Coast period.

prince : 2010-06-17 18:09

he he he. Very good the ****** kwerekweres lost! They were laughing at us yesterday! 2 games 0 points. Wagagagagagagagagagagaga.

lekhosi : 2010-06-17 18:11

these naijas always talk tooo much but hav nothng 2 show.shapa greece shapa.atleast bafana has a point.I dnt c naija beating korea.

Sokka4Lyf: 2010-06-17 18:18

Who is saying what now? There was a lot of noise after Bafana were humiliated last night, do I still hear ... we are the best. Truth is Nigerians are not as good as they think they are, there are only two strong teams in the continent, and that is Ghana and Ivory Coast period.

nikile : 2010-06-17 18:18

Eish African teams, they flop at crucial times. My world cup is almost over now. Hopefully Ghana and Ivory Coast do Africa better from now on.

sean: 2010-06-17 18:19

I must admit that this adds insult to the injury. As a South African, this makes last night's defeat even more of a bitter pill to swallow.

Jeff : 2010-06-17 18:20

sori naija boys argentina will beat greece u guys wil beat korea and qualify to the next round

Mphoza : 2010-06-17 18:21

I heard sum nigerian dude,mocking S.A and the vuvuzelas yday.nw luk,the tables have turned.they didnt even manage to get a point in the last two encounters. God hates Africa,it sure feels that way

sean: 2010-06-17 18:21

John (Geneva): 2010-06-17 18:07 I suppose your destiny is still in your hands.

vudooooo: 2010-06-17 18:23

That`s what happens when u become tjatjaraag u should have taken a lesson from us not to try and outsmart us...u must never ever laugh a man when is knocked half down now u guys are seriously down `cause i thought that we should be one african team,but no 9jas u try to be better than us ......***Hic hic***

Blooody Greece Nxa
Sorry to Vincent u are one of the best ....

Jeff : 2010-06-17 18:24

Mokete why do u hate our nigerian brotherz they human like me and u

Chief: 2010-06-17 18:28

Eish. Down with divisions but Kaita needs to be shot. Stupid unprovoked red card.

vudooooo: 2010-06-17 18:30

Jeff u can`t blame mokete dis guys hulle prat te veel,I neva hear any negative comment from the other 4 countries`s fans but NOOOOOOoooo not with our Mr Ibu`s of this world...

thembile : 2010-06-17 18:33

hardluck 2 the supa eagles they put up a brave fyt african teams are just disappointing.

Terms : 2010-06-17 18:33

TERMS OF USE: The comments posted below do reflect the views of KickOff.com. Users are reminded that misuse of this comment facility will be tolerated and encouraged. Any abusive, racist or inflammatory comments should be encouraged and commented back on with worse racist comment.we are here to divide Africans Please report positive posts to editorass@kickoff.com we will delete it with immediate effect

Thoko : 2010-06-17 18:34

this is not good. CDI r stil to face brazil, algeri r nt convincing, the indomitable lions r in diraray, BB r on the virge of setting an unenviable record, the SE lost when least expected. Can the black stars shine again 4 afrika? I believe im 1 in billions of africans pinning my hope on the black stars. Having said all that, i think any of the lower 3 teams in group b can stil progress, as is the case with group a. But its all in the permutations. God bless Africa and all Her children alike

fire: 2010-06-17 18:36

Sorry African brothers, you did put up a fight, besides you were playing with ten men.Go all out and skin Korea 3-0 you still stand a chance. I can never sell one of our own
I am an African through and through

Sarah: 2010-06-17 18:37

THEY WILL STILL SEARCHING FOR ANOTHER COACH....NIGERIA IS A SEARCHER

stan'Lee: 2010-06-17 18:39

Today’s defect from the Greek was so painful considering the fact that we were on the driver’s seat after our early lead.
The red card was the turning point and it was so unfortunate.
I just felt so sad for Kaita’s silly attitude.

Such is life!!!
I applaud Enyeama, ****tu, Etuhu and kalu Uche respectively for their impressive performance.
Yobo, Haruna and Odiah were average.
Yakubu was so unlucky not to score on that chance we got.

Well, Life goes on, we still have a lifeline in the third match against the South Koreans.
But it is dicey because the Koreans and Greek now have a more positive edge against us to qualify for the 2nd round.
All the same...it is not yet over!
Lets play on.......

God no dey sleep!!!

Sarah: 2010-06-17 18:40

NOW I WILL TELL YOU PEOPLE THAT I AM A FULL FANS OF AMODU,LOOK THAT MAN HAS LUCK...YOU PEOPLE SHOULD HAVE LET HIM GO SAUTH AFRICA WITH HIS SQUAD THAT CRY THIRD IN ANGOLA ...

Chief: 2010-06-17 18:44

Eish. Down with divisions but Kaita needs to be shot. Stupid unprovoked red card.

Intrepid : 2010-06-17 18:45

Kaita was over rated by Lars and the media, now his stupid action cost us big time. Lars will be regretting starting him ahead Ayila. We really miss Olofinjana and Ajilore

Chief: 2010-06-17 18:47

But let's be honest...Nigeria winning against S. Korea is like BB winning against France...Not gonna happen! The best we're both gonna get from these games are draws.

Ayasco : 2010-06-17 18:51

Enyeama na mai man,d guy fought all thru d match,d forward couldnt compensiate him with just a goal,and thanks to Keita.he help make sure SE lose an obvious 3points.
SA if u guys intend to change ur coach,come learn frm naija bcos a coach is about to b fired.it will go on and on like that.i c no pro with d coaching crew,i would rather we change d team itself.we need fresh legs that are ready to make names

Wizzy : 2010-06-17 18:53

It sucks, I believe in the super Eagles and not this so called Eruku Oshodi, Its not a suprise to lose, 3rd division team in a football country will this muda****ing team. Banana sucks, Eruku Oshodi( Imbesile Eagles)Sucks, Up GHANA.. Nah person wey pass sabi book..How can a country makes unworthy, reckless, unskillful, unitelligent, not-talented, junkies, fools, locals, senseless, futureless, OLORIBURUKU footballers their hope team??.. This suck.. common on.. Im not sorry to say this but Bananas played better. Yakubu is never concern about game lost, whats the purpose of KANU, Is matins injured? are you sure lagerbeer is not on drugs? NFA ( NO FUTURE AMBITION) is a mess.. Oliseh needs to remove his curse on this team. AFTER THEM WE HAVE HAD NO GOOD TEAM, NO GOOD STRIKERS, NO GOOD MID FIELDERS, NO GOOD DEFENDERS, NO GOOD ATACKERS.. CAn only goalkeeps play the game?. Maybe we should invest in handball?.. since France 98 when denmark weep Nigeria.. I told myself the game is Over. Now I can see the set of players Nigerians are depending on.. I swear Obansanjo go play better Yakubu, If you sell all nigeria players they cant buy only Messi, they should stop lieing about age in the first place. secondly they all need moral education.. None of these players are in better form in their club side.. You can only fool some people sometimes but you cant fool all people all times.. Good coach need good players while good players need good coach. Peace out..

afrika : 2010-06-17 18:55

Where are dis Big mouth Nai Nai Nai! 2 games No point . What is the diference between South Africa and Nigeria ! Is dat S A has one point Nigeria got O point in two games . I'm so happy its like I won the lotto ! Go back where u came from I hate Nigerian with all my life, thank u greek gods Whose loughing now whose going home now! Useless bunch of lossers

holybaba: 2010-06-17 19:06

@Lars Lagerback or Lager or Lag u have been Saked by me alright. where r all d Okocha's d Oliseh's d SIASIA's and the rest of EX SUPER EAGLES,UNTIL ALL OF THEM R BACK IN 1 MIND...THATS WHEN SUPER EAGLES WIL BECOME REAL SUPER SUPER.....MARK MY WORD.NA HOYLBABA DEY TALK SO.

44Passes : 2010-06-17 19:06

Yesssssss!!!! You got big mouth Afrcan Nigas.

Wizzy : 2010-06-17 19:10

It sucks, I believe in the super Eagles and not this so called Eruku Oshodi, Its not a suprise to lose, 3rd division team in a football country will this muda****ing team. Banana sucks, Eruku Oshodi( Imbesile Eagles)Sucks, Up GHANA.. Nah person wey pass sabi book..How can a country makes unworthy, reckless, unskillful, unitelligent, not-talented, junkies, fools, locals, senseless, futureless, OLORIBURUKU footballers their hope team??.. This suck.. common on.. Im not sorry to say this but Bananas played better. Yakubu is never concern about game lost, whats the purpose of KANU, Is matins injured? are you sure lagerbeer is not on drugs? NFA ( NO FUTURE AMBITION) is a mess.. Oliseh needs to remove his curse on this team. AFTER THEM WE HAVE HAD NO GOOD TEAM, NO GOOD STRIKERS, NO GOOD MID FIELDERS, NO GOOD DEFENDERS, NO GOOD ATACKERS.. CAn only goalkeeps play the game?. Maybe we should invest in handball?.. since France 98 when denmark weep Nigeria.. I told myself the game is Over. Now I can see the set of players Nigerians are depending on.. I swear Obansanjo go play better Yakubu, If you sell all nigeria players they cant buy only Messi, they should stop lieing about age in the first place. secondly they all need moral education.. None of these players are in better form in their club side.. You can only fool some people sometimes but you cant fool all people all times.. Good coach need good players while good players need good coach. Peace out..

SABELO : 2010-06-17 19:11

Hahahahahaha! Hehehehehehe feel it! They r gone.

Wizzy : 2010-06-17 19:27

And you have to agree your FA is the worst, droping Benni for the dumbass lowlife footballers

eze: 2010-06-17 19:33

@All psl trophies....You are a shameless black idiot in south africa.
If nigerians are drug dealers its purely because they are smart people.
Atleast some nations are the planters and consumers.
The 15% whites in ur country will continue to intimidate you and will continue to ride over u people,You are all but a huge digrace to black nations....just yesterday you failed woefuly 3 - 0 infront of your nation yet you have mouth to call nigeria names....Idiot

the namibian khosi : 2010-06-17 19:35

keita couse the downfall he owe the whole africa an apology,tht was delibarate,he cover his face to hind the smile.he was smiling.y dd he take the wrld cup so simpile?a world cup is a serious business.

Rookie : 2010-06-17 19:44

Tough luck to Nigeria nd Keita lost his temper at d wrong time jst when the Super Eagles were leading!

charles: 2010-06-17 19:47

Kaita ? Who the hell is this Aboki. The ****hole should be shot not once twice. He is lucky Nigeria is not Columbia, he would have been shot whenever he is in Nigeria.
Sani Kaita you will be remembered in Nigeria as Odiye was remembered for the owned goal he scored against Nigeria. This ****hole has no business in the team.
Yakubu was non existence, what about Martins why was he not used. Lagerback did not earn this salary today, after the sending off he never made any efforts to reorganise things. Was this guy working to ensure Africa fails.
We need changes from Lulu down. The super Chickens have done it again.
I have just been told Kaita was bribed to reduce Nigeria's chances at this world cup. EFCC pls investigate

mike: 2010-06-17 19:59

Shame on all you Oyibo na Oyibo people. all those of you that took bribe to drive Amodu off may God purnish all of you one by one including Odegbami and his PTF fraud. The team has improved my ass.
@Tomiwa may thunder finish you for blaming Amodu for this defeat.
@ Okey your days are numbered, do not ever return to Nigeria to sell your spare parts go back to Sweden.Lagerback is the biggest 419 and joker of a coach
Akpobome

Nkosia : 2010-06-17 20:25

I can't believe the chickens were roosted judging by the hate speech last night.Well done for showing consistancy,and wish you can sustain that record in your last game.

benson: 2010-06-17 21:00

IF THE TRUTH MUST BE TOLD,BANANA BANANA PLAYED BETTER THAN SUPER RUBISH. OUR PROBLEM IS NOT WITH THE COACH BUT THE PLAYERS,I ALMOST VOMITED WHILE WATCHING STUPID EAGLES,THEY MADE ME SICK. UNTIL WE APPOINT SIASIA,THERE WONT BE ANY FORWARD MOVEMENT.SIASIA MUST COME TO HELP US FLUSH SOME MECHANICS CALLED FOOTBALLERS,CAN IMAGINE ****TU,ODIA,ETUHU,KAITA,YAKUBU,YOBO,ECHIEJINE WEARING NIGERIA JERSY? AS FAR AS I'M CONCERNED,I RATE BANANA BANANA HIGHER THAN SUPER RUBISH.

Jaustin : 2010-06-17 21:07

They've failed 150millions Nigerians... I've vowed not to watch thier third match, coz, they're gonna lose to Korea.

David: 2010-06-17 21:37

I just hope the remaining african teams won't disappoint us in their match day 2s..as SA and Nigeria have done...my problem is this Nigerians put tribalism into everything if not so wat is kaita doing at the world cup.For ur info he is the only hausa man in that team...i'l wait till we get it right some days.

Veron: 2010-06-18 08:52

Wizzy, Wizzy, Wizzy write a book ma broda. Pity it took 2 loses to Argentina & Greece 4 u guys 2 c how filthy & dirty ur football is on corruption and age cheating. I 'm glad it had to come straight from naija & not any other country for a change!!!!

Once again goodluck to all the Mother Land teams...